The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-03

The Editor of the New York Ledger Favor
Its General Adoption.

| The Editor of the New York Ledger Favor
Its General Adoption.
Robert Bonner. in the Epoch.
| 1 am heartily in favor of the adoption Of tn
| Saturday half holiday, and introduced it in m.
| establishment year ago, before the law wa
passeds think it will depend on the press as .
whether or not the movement will be success
If the newspapers favor it and arouse pubi
sentiment on the subject, then it will be eener
ally adopted. If the press generally urge tina
workmen need the half-holiday, it will be gener
ally given, because employers would not oppost
strong public sentiment.
Some employers object to the half holiday ant
profess to have great concern as to how thell
employees will spend their time. They express
fears that the spare time will be spent in diss
patton. That is very contracted view. On
that principle you might as well keep them al
work all the evening
The danger of dissipation is lessened by one
good rule that obtains at present in connection
with ball playing, the game INDUCED in by the
largest number of young men; pools are forbid
den to be sold. If man makes bet he is
promptly thrown off the grounds, nor do they
allow liaucr to be sold on the grounds.
think that where an employer can give his
help reasonable opportunity to enjoy them
selves he should do So and think he will find
that they will thereby render better service dur
ing the week. 1 have noticed that my employees
have become more cheerful since they began to
enjoy the half Saturday of. This cheerfulness
may have been enhanced by the fact that it WAS
given freely, and long before there was any law
on the subject.
The banks claim that the half holiday will dis
arrange business. but should think they could
manage to do their work in the forenoon. STILL
l should not have much sympathy in that
case, as the clerks get off every day at o'clock.
Possibly, it would be better for the banks to
keep open until or o'clock on Saturdays, as
the clerks do not belong 70 tina overworked class;
they have an opportunity every day, after
o'clock. for relaxation.
do not believe that it would be better to give
the extra time by shortening the hours of work
each day, because the benefit would not be felt
by en- ployes, and they would have opportu-
nifty to 60 out and enjoy themselves. Nor do
think that wages should be reduced. have not
reduced the pay of my men, and do not propose
to do So
AS for the dry goods stores, they require
certain number of clerks to do their work, and
think that they could manage to have their work
done that they could spare the half holiday
that they would get substantially the sane
service by giving the half day off. And among
fair minded men do not think there will be any
disposition to dock" men for the half day.
1t is my opinion that Americans, rule
work too bard, especially the New Workers. For
instance, tho slow and easy manner in which
the business man of Philadelphia goes through
his work is in striking contrast with the push"
and haste of the New Yorker. I used to work
fifteen and sixteen hours a day, and came near
breaking down.
My family physician urged me TO take horse
back exercise / did so, and, in that way, be-
came interested in horses. Before had been
riding three months could do more work in
or twelve. Formerly, felt dull and stupid;
after took the outdoor exercise felt bright,
active and ready for work.
Hence from personal experience as hard
worker 1 sympath;ze with the worklngmen. I
should like TO them all get their half holiday
and use it in outdoor sport and recreation.
believe that it will be benefit to them, and no
material loss to their employers.